Yale (Steerman) SCS Caterpillar Skates with Steel Rollers

Steerman Caterpillar Machine Skates

Capacity options: 20 tonnes, 30 tonnes and 60 tonnes options available

Steerman Caterpillar Skates provide an economic and robust solution to many load-moving and placement problems.

Steerman SCS-20, SCS-30 and SCS-60 Caterpillar Skates are designed for the movement of heavy loads over flat, even surfaces. With capacities of 20t, 30t, and 60t it is the operator’s responsibility to decide the correct capacity for each specific application. Whenever possible, it is advisable to run the units over a flat steel-plated surface, channel sections or rails. The harder the operating surface, the less rolling resistance is encountered, making the load easier to move.

Features: SCS Skates

• Carrying capacity of 20t, 30t or 60 tonnes.
• Professional build quality.
• The modular concept allows linking of units.
• Robust lockable steel container with nylon castors.

Extract from SCS Skate Operating Instructions

• Check that the rollers are free from any embedded debris before using the system.
• Use on smooth level surfaces - plated steel floors are recommended. The load must always be evenly distributed on the system.
• Use some form of anti-slip mat or wooden board between the skate surfaces and the load.
• Keep hands and feet well clear of all areas beneath the load being raised, lowered or carried.
• Operate the equipment within its capacity. DO NOT OVERLOAD.
• Keep fingers clear of the skate rollers when lifting the system. The rollers are designed to rotate.
• Avoid shock loading when positioning or carrying industrial loads.
• Use appropriately rated jacks to lift and lower loads onto the Steerman Caterpillar Skate System rather than lowering directly from a crane or forklift truck.
• Ensure that the rear skates are kept parallel to the load and the line of direction by means of the alignment bar supplied.
• Don’t operate the equipment over rough, uneven surfaces, floor joints, sliding door tracks, manhole covers, tarmac or asphalt or on uneven or inclined surfaces.
• Do not operate the equipment until you have ascertained that the weight and centre of gravity of the load being carried is in the centre of the 3-point loading system, and do not operate the equipment until you have ensured that the load is balanced, stable and that all personnel are standing clear of the load and the intended route of travel.

Operating Instructions

Getting Started:

• Ensure that you have selected a set of Steerman Caterpillar skates that are designed to carry the full weight of your intended load.
• Ensure that you have all the necessary lifting jacks, restraining equipment and pulling or pushing devices needed for the job.
• Assess the shape of the load to determine the best position for the skates. REMEMBER the load must rest evenly on the three or four point skate pads, with the weight evenly distributed over all three or four points.
• Always raise the rear part of the load first, using appropriately rated hydraulic claw jacks, then place the two rear trolleys in position. Ensure that some form of anti-slip mats or wooden boards are in place between the load and the tops of the trolleys. The alignment bar should be positioned perpendicular to the direction of the travel to avoid “crabbing” when the load is moved. Carefully lower the load onto the rear trolleys and remove the jacks.
• Next, Jack up the front of the load using appropriately rated hydraulic claw jacks and position the front steering unit/s-fitted with a turntable under the load ensuring that all hands and fingers are not above the top surface of the trolley. Again ensure that the anti-slip mats or wooden boards are in place on the turntable pads.
• Lower the load onto the steerable front unit/s and double check that the load is evenly distributed and safely balanced.
• Check that the route to the final destination of the load is clear of debris and personnel and that the surface is suitable for both the weight of the load being carried and the system.
• Totally clear and clean the floor area and over the whole route to be travelled. Remove all grease, metal shavings, and any other forms of debris. REMEMBER, Steerman skates have only been designed to operate over smooth flat industrial floor surfaces.

Basic Techniques:

• The front skate/s must not be steered whilst the load is stationary. Steering can only really occur when the load is moving.
• When the system is moving, always position yourself so that you can effectively control the skates while at all times staying clear of the load.
• Extreme care should be taken to ensure that any operator, marshall or bystander does not get trapped between the load and any surrounding walls or obstructions.
• When pushing or pulling with a powered vehicle, secure a restraint cable or suitable sling to the load to prevent it running away.
• The operator should be within sight of any powered vehicle driver at all times. If this is not possible, a third person should be used to relay instructions between the operator and the driver.
• Whenever possible it is of great help to mark the floor to show the exact route the load will travel along and to mark where it is to be finally positioned.
• Check the path for debris before the operation and continually check in front and behind you as you steer to make sure there is no danger of tripping or falling.
• Do not allow the load system to travel at speed or abruptly change its direction of travel.